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The minimum requirements to be a preschool teacher are to have a high school diploma and a certificate in early childhood education. If you do not have a high school diploma, you can obtain a high school equivalency credential by taking the GED exam.  Sign up for test-prep classes through your local community college or technical college to prepare you for the GED exam. The GED Testing Service also offers low-cost and free practice tests and tutorials online. Once you have your GED, you can either obtain an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in ECE to become a preschool teacher. However, many public schools require that their teachers have a bachelor’s degree or higher in ECE to be a preschool teacher.  Teachers in private schools or daycare settings may only be required to have an associate’s degree in ECE. A certificate is also a typical requirement to be a preschool teacher in private schools.  Preschool teachers working in public school programs, like Head Start, may only be required to have an associate’s degree and experience working with children. However, most have a bachelor’s degree in ECE. Certification for preschool teachers in public schools includes passing state certification exams after the completion of a bachelor’s degree. In order to earn the Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate, a candidate must have a high school diploma or equivalent, have completed 480 hours of experience working with children, and 120 hours or more of formal education. Some states accept the National Child Care Association’s Certified Childcare Professional credential if a candidate does not hold a college degree, or has a college degree in a field unrelated to childhood education. Look into your state’s requirements for teaching preschool children. To maintain your CDA certification, you will need to continue your education. If you work in a private school setting or a childcare center, you will need to keep your first aid certification up-to-date, demonstrate active teaching practice, and have a membership in an approved organization for childcare professionals. Public school preschool teachers are required to participate in professional development hours during each renewal period to maintain their certification.
Obtain a high school diploma. Get a degree in early childhood education (ECE). Become certified. Maintain certification.